Medical Marijuana in 2024: What to Expect
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
The year 2024 is just around the corner, and with it comes the promise of significant changes in the medical marijuana industry. This blog aims to offer insights into the potential trends and developments that could shape the use of medical marijuana in the near future. Whether you’re a medical professional, patient, or medical cannabis advocate, it’s critical to stay informed about the evolution of the medical marijuana industry.
Will the Federal Government Legalize Cannabis in 2024?
The Biden administration stands at a pivotal crossroads regarding the future of cannabis legislation. One option currently under consideration is the rescheduling of the drug. This action would shift marijuana from its current status as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act–a classification reserved for substances with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse–to a less restrictive category like Schedule III.
Such a move would acknowledge the therapeutic potential of cannabis and pave the way for more research. However, it’s important to note that while rescheduling could eliminate some federal restrictions, it would not equate to full legalization.
If the federal government were to deschedule (and therefore legalize) marijuana, the ramifications for the medical cannabis industry would likely be drastic. With federal legalization, restrictions on research and development would likely be lifted. Additionally, financial institutions would no longer be disincentivized from engaging with the cannabis industry, potentially leading to increased investment and growth.
However, federal legalization could also mean increased regulation and oversight, which may pose challenges for some businesses. Also, people’s ease of access to recreational cannabis could threaten the viability of the medical cannabis industry.
Based on the controversial nature of the national marijuana conversation, it’s unlikely that cannabis will be federally legalized in 2024. Still, its rescheduling could provide a much-needed boost for the medical marijuana industry.
Which States Will Legalize Medical Marijuana in 2024?
Nebraska
Nebraska is on the brink of legalizing medical marijuana in 2024 thanks to a growing shift in public sentiment and concerted efforts by advocates to bring the issue to the legislative forefront. The group Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana is expected to gather the 87,000 verified voter signatures necessary for the Patient Protection Act and Medical Cannabis Regulation Act to get placed on the state’s ballot in November.
South Carolina
While it’s challenging to predict exact legislative outcomes, South Carolina has shown a growing openness towards the legalization of medical marijuana. The Compassionate Care Act, aimed at allowing patients with certain debilitating medical conditions to use medical marijuana under a doctor’s supervision, has repeatedly been proposed in recent years, reflecting a shift in legislative sentiment.
South Carolina has yet to pass the bill, but the state Senate ratified it in 2022, which means there’s a good chance it’ll become a law in 2024.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin might also be on the list of states legalizing medical marijuana in 2024. Despite its historically conservative approach to marijuana, changing public opinion and recent gubernatorial statements suggest a shift in policy could be on the horizon.
That said, if the state does legalize medical cannabis, they may limit the forms of cannabis patients can legally purchase and consume.
Which States Will Not Legalize Medical Cannabis in 2024?
Kansas
Despite the national trend towards acceptance and legalization of medical cannabis, Kansas stands as one of the few states where it remains illegal. The state’s conservative political climate and the strong influence of traditional values make its lawmakers less likely to enact such progressive legislation by 2024.
As seen in past legislative sessions, bills related to cannabis often face significant resistance. Gov. Laura Kelly voiced her support for medical cannabis in 2023, but division amongst the state’s representatives continues to stymie efforts to legalize the drug for medical use.
Idaho
Medical marijuana legalization efforts in Idaho have historically been met with strong opposition in the state’s republican-dominated legislature. Moreover, Idaho Governor Brad Little has repeatedly expressed his resistance to any form of cannabis legalization. Given these political predispositions and the lack of substantive shift in public opinion, Idaho remains a state seemingly steadfast in its stance against medical cannabis.
That said, if the nonprofit group Kind Idaho collects 63,000 signatures by April 14, 2024, a medical cannabis initiative will be placed on the state’s ballot.
Indiana
Indiana lawmakers have historically held a conservative stance toward drug laws, with strict penalties for drug offenses and a reluctance to explore decriminalization measures. Moreover, key political figures have expressed opposition to any form of cannabis legalization. Lastly, public sentiment in Indiana is divided on the issue, with a significant portion of the population still resistant to the idea of legalizing cannabis for medical use.
Therefore, despite the growing acceptance of medical cannabis in many states, it seems unlikely that Indiana will legalize it in the near future.
North Carolina
While there are a growing number of U.S. states that have legalized medical marijuana, it is unlikely that North Carolina will join them in 2024. The state’s conservative-leaning legislature has historically demonstrated opposition to such measures, prioritizing stricter drug laws.
The state Senate passed a bill that would’ve legalized medical cannabis in 2023, but it died on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Tennessee
Tennessee is likely to maintain its current restrictions on medical marijuana in 2024. Recent legislative efforts to legalize the drug for medical use have stalled, and local lawmakers remain divided on the issue.
Wyoming
While efforts toward the legalization of medical cannabis are gaining traction in many states, Wyoming appears likely to maintain its conservative stance. The state’s predominantly rural demographics and strong inclination towards traditional values have contributed to its resistance toward medical cannabis legalization, as has the lack of a significant legislative push from its representatives.
A coalition of advocate groups initially believed it had gathered enough voter signatures in 2023 to get the issue on the state’s spring ballot, but it turned out its leaders had misunderstood the threshold they needed to reach and ultimately fallen short of it.
How Will the 2024 Presidential Election Affect Cannabis Laws?
The 2024 presidential election will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of cannabis laws in the United States. As we approach the election, the stance of each candidate towards cannabis legalization will become a key point of discussion.
If the winning candidate comes from the Democratic Party, we could see a shift toward more liberal policies, possibly culminating in federal legalization of cannabis, or at least its decriminalization. Incumbent President Joe Biden could even reschedule cannabis prior to the election to gain more support from young Democrats. Conversely, a Republican victor could slow or even reverse the progress made towards legalization, though not all Republicans oppose marijuana reform.
The power to appoint key officials in regulatory agencies who could enact or block changes to cannabis laws also lies with the president. Therefore, the election could be pivotal in determining whether the marijuana industry will continue its growth or face new challenges.
Which Medical Cannabis Products Will Be Most Popular in 2024?
The medical cannabis market is expected to undergo significant evolution in 2024, with a few key products predicted to lead in popularity:
- Cannabidiol (CBD) oils and tinctures, which are renowned for their therapeutic properties, are set to maintain their high demand.
- With the growing social acceptance and legality of cannabis, more sophisticated and controlled delivery methods like transdermal patches and metered dose inhalers will likely gain traction.
- Another significant trend to watch out for in 2024 is the rise of cannabis-infused beverages. As a result of advancements in solventless infusion methods, cannabis beverages are anticipated to carve out a substantial niche in the market. This category, which includes teas, coffees, non-alcoholic beers, and even protein shakes, offers consumers a unique, socially acceptable, and controlled way to consume cannabis.Edibles, which provide a user-friendly, discreet, and dose-controlled option, are set to include more health-oriented products like gluten-free and vegan options.
- Lastly, a rise in microdosing is anticipated to boost the popularity of low-dose THC products.
How Will Attitudes Toward Cannabis Change in 2024?
As we approach 2024, we can expect a positive shift in societal attitudes towards cannabis, particularly medical marijuana. This shift will be driven by increased awareness of cannabis’s therapeutic effects and the ongoing destigmatization of its use.
The growing body of scientific research providing evidence for marijuana’s medicinal benefits is making it increasingly difficult for critics to ignore its potential. Consequently, we can anticipate more open discussions about marijuana use in medical circles and beyond, as well as a more educated public able to make informed decisions about their health.
More people than ever are expected to view medical marijuana as a legitimate, even mainstream treatment option in 2024, which could lead to a surge in demand and, in turn, positive changes in public policy.
What Is the Outlook for the Medical Marijuana Industry?
The overall outlook for the medical marijuana industry heading into 2024 is promising. Forecasts indicate that, thanks to the public’s burgeoning acceptance of marijuana for medical purposes, the industry is poised for robust growth.
Increased awareness of the medicinal benefits of marijuana, including its ability to help with pain management, appetite stimulation, and anxiety reduction, is expected to propel more demand. Additionally, ongoing legalization efforts in various countries are further strengthening the industry’s growth prospects.
However, the industry is likely to continue to face challenges, including regulatory obstacles and the uncharted territory of marijuana’s long-term health effects. It could be another decade before the majority of the American public and lawmakers embrace the drug.
Nonetheless, the medical marijuana industry’s future looks bright.
Why Choose the Sanctuary’s Medical Marijuana Doctors?
At the Sanctuary Wellness Institute, our medical cannabis professionals are dedicated, compassionate, and knowledgeable about the therapeutic use of medical marijuana. They can answer all of your questions about medical cannabis use, and, if they approve you for it, the Sanctuary can guide you through the process of obtaining an MMJ card.
If you’re suffering from a qualifying condition that has not responded to traditional treatment methods, medical marijuana could be the alternative solution you’ve been looking for.
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How we reviewed this article:
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https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-rescheduling-of-marijuana-could-lead-to-cascade-of-state-level-changes/ - Zach Wendling (2023). Nebraska medical marijuana advocates confident third time is the charm
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https://fox59.com/indianapolitics/indiana-lawmakers-react-to-ohio-legalizing-marijuana/ - The Associated Press (2023). North Carolina medical marijuana bill likely dead for this year, House speaker says
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https://mjbizdaily.com/wyoming-medical-cannabis-effort-ending-amid-controversy/ - Nelli Black, Steve Contorno, Scott Glover, and Randi Kaye (2023). DeSantis promised to ‘drain the swamp’ in Florida. But his record on medical marijuana raises questions
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https://maribisllc.com/cannabis-trends/
Current Version
December 28, 2023
Written By
John DiBella
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
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John DiBella is the co-founder and CEO at The Sanctuary Wellness Institute. His goal is to foster healthier lifestyles to improve individuals’ quality of life and health span through online medical and non-medical services. When he’s not writing blogs about medical marijuana, he enjoys hiking, camping, surfing and sailing.